Development of a Reverse-Yield Factor Database Disaggregating Japanese Composite Foods into Raw Primary Commodity Ingredients Based on the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan.

The reverse-yield factor (RF) database was developed for qualitatively and quantitatively disaggregating Japanese composite foods into raw primary commodity (RPC) ingredients. Representative equations for four types (dried, salted, fermented and mixed foods) were developed to calculate RFs using the food content and composition data for composite foods listed in the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan-2020-(STFCJ), published by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. Out of 1150 composite foods identified in the STFCJ, RFs for 54 dried, 41 salted, 40 fermented and 818 mixed foods were obtained. RFs for 197 mixed foods could not be calculated because these foods were produced from ingredients with no specified information and/or through complex processing. The content and composition of Japanese composite foods would be interpreted representatively by RFs in the developed database.

Non-invasive assessment of left ventricular filling pressure in aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure (FP) is important for the management of aortic stenosis (AS) patients. Although, it is often restricted for predict LV FP in AS because of mitral annular calcification and a certain left ventricular hypertrophy. Thus, we tested the predictive ability of the algorithm for elevated LV FP in AS patients and also applied a recently-proposed echocardiographic scoring system of LV FP, visually assessed time difference between the mitral valve and tricuspid valve opening (VMT) score. METHODS: We enrolled consecutive 116 patients with at least moderate AS in sinus rhythm who underwent right heart catheterization and echocardiography within 7 days. Mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) was measured as invasive parameter of LV FP. LV diastolic dysfunction (DD) was graded according to the ASE/EACVI guidelines. The VMT score was defined as follows: time sequence of opening of mitral and tricuspid valves was scored to 0-2 (0: tricuspid valve first, 1: simultaneous, 2: mitral valve first). When the inferior vena cava was dilated, one point was added and VMT score was finally calculated as 0-3. RESULTS: Of the 116 patients, 29 patients showed elevated PAWP. Ninety patients (93%) and 67 patients (63%) showed increased values for left atrium volume index (LAVI) and E/e', respectively when the cut-off values recommended by the guidelines were applied and thus the algorism predicted elevated PAWP with a low specificity and positive predictive value (PPV). VMT ≥ 2 predicted elevated PAWP with a sensitivity of 59%, specificity of 90%, PPV of 59%, and negative predictive value of 89%. An alternative algorithm that applied tricuspid regurgitation velocity and VMT scores was tested, and its predictive ability was markedly improved. CONCLUSION: VMT score was applicable for AS patients. Alternative use of VMT score improved diagnostic accuracy of guideline-recommended algorism.

Development of a processing factor prediction model for pesticides in processed tomato foods using elastic net regularization.

A novel regularized elastic net regression model was developed to predict processing factor (PF) for pesticide residues, which represents a change in the residue levels during food processing. The PF values for tomato juice, wet pomace and dry pomace in the evaluations and reports published by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues significantly correlated with the physicochemical properties of pesticides, and subsequently the correlation was observed in the present tomato processing study. The elastic net regression model predicted the PF values using the physicochemical properties as predictor variables for both training and test data within a 2-fold range for 80-100% of the pesticides tested in the tomato processing study while overcoming multicollinearity. These results suggest that the PF values are predictable at a certain degree of accuracy from the unique sets of physicochemical properties of pesticides using the developed model based on a processing study with representative pesticides.

Predicting treatment outcomes of intravitreal brolucizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy through noninvasive assessment of polypoidal lesion blood flow with optical coherence tomography angiography.

We investigated the assessment of blood flow within polypoidal lesions using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to determine intravitreal brolucizumab (IVBr) efficacy for treating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). We retrospectively studied 46 eyes with PCV that completed 1-year IVBr treatment. Blood flow signals within polypoidal lesions were evaluated using OCTA after loading-phase treatment, and 1-year outcomes were compared between eyes in which blood flow signals disappeared versus persisting. After loading-phase treatment, blood flow signals within polypoidal lesions disappeared in 31 eyes and persisted in 15. In the former group, visual acuity improved significantly throughout the year (P < 0.01), while in the latter there was no significant difference between baseline and after 1 year. The total number of injections was significantly lower with than without disappearance of blood flow signals (6.0 vs. 6.9, P < 0.01). The intended injection interval at the last visit was significantly longer in the former than in the latter group (15.7 weeks vs. 12.5 weeks, P < 0.01). These results indicate that PCV cases showing disappearance of blood flow signals within polypoidal lesions by OCTA after loading-phase treatment had favorable 1-year outcomes of IVBr. Therefore, evaluating blood flow within polypoidal lesions by OCTA may allow noninvasive prediction of PCV treatment outcomes.

One-year results of treat-and-extend regimen with intravitreal faricimab for treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate 1-year outcomes of loading phase treatment followed by maintenance therapy using a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen with intravitreal faricimab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 40 eyes of 38 consecutive patients with treatment-naïve nAMD, assessing best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal thickness, central choroidal thickness (CCT), total number of injections over 1 year, and intended injection interval at the last visit. RESULTS: Thirty eyes (75.0%) had completed the 1-year intravitreal faricimab treatment. Their BCVA showed significant improvement, with significant reductions in foveal thickness and CCT. The total number of injections during the 1-year treatment period was 6.6 ± 0.7. The intended injection interval at the last visit was 12.7 ± 3.3 weeks. Of the 10 eyes (25.0%) failing to complete the 1-year faricimab treatment, 1 eye developed intraocular inflammation after the loading phase treatment but showed no recurrence of exudative changes, and no further treatment was required. Moreover, 5 eyes switched to intravitreal brolucizumab injection due to persistent exudative changes with an 8-week interval of faricimab injections. The remaining 4 eyes either dropped out or the patient died. CONCLUSIONS: A loading phase treatment followed by a TAE regimen with intravitreal faricimab appears to be generally safe and effective for improving visual acuity and ameliorating exudative changes in eyes with nAMD. However, there might be cases in which exudative changes cannot be adequately controlled with injections of faricimab every 8 weeks in the maintenance phase.

A CASE OF EALES DISEASE OBSERVED BY WIDEFIELD OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a 30-year-old woman with Eales disease, showing bilateral proliferative tissue. The retinal vessels were evaluated using widefield optical coherence tomography angiography (widefield OCTA), which has a wider angle of view compared with conventional instruments. METHODS: This is a case report. RESULTS: Widefield OCTA showed an extensive nonperfusion area and A-V shunt in both eyes and a vascular structure in the left eye that appeared to be retinal neovascularization. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography revealed no filling delay in the early phase, a vast nonperfusion area from the midperiphery to the ora serrata in bilateral eyes, and retinal neovascularization in the left eye. Based on the results of ultra-widefield angiography, OCTA examination, and systemic examination, a diagnosis of Eales disease was finally made after all the differential diseases had been excluded. CONCLUSION: In a patient with Eales disease, the peripheral nonperfusion area and retinal neovascularization that were consistent with the ultra-widefield angiography findings were noninvasively confirmed by widefield OCTA. Widefield OCTA is useful in the detection of peripheral changes of the fundus.

Exercise Capacity and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Heart Failure Patients with Mild Tricuspid Regurgitation.

AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR) on the exercise capacity or clinical outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: The study enrolled 511 patients with CHF who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) between 2013 and 2018. The primary outcome was a composite of heart failure hospitalization and death. Patients with mild TR (n = 324) or significant TR (moderate or greater; n = 60) displayed worse NHYA class and reduced exercise capacity on CPET than those with non-TR (n = 127), but these were more severely impaired in patients with significant TR. A total of 90 patients experienced events over a median follow-up period of 3.3 (interquartile range 0.8-5.5) years. Patients with significant TR displayed a higher risk of events, while patients with mild TR had a 3.0-fold higher risk of events than patients with non-TR (hazard ratio (HR) 3.01; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.50-6.07). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that, compared with non-TR, mild TR was associated with increased adverse events, even after adjustment for co-variates (HR 2.97; 95% CI, 1.35-6.55). CONCLUSIONS: TR severity was associated with worse symptoms, reduced exercise capacity, and poor clinical outcomes. Even patients with mild TR had worse clinical characteristics than those with non-TR.

Attenuation of irradiated choroid and its regional vortex veins in central serous chorioretinopathy after photodynamic therapy.

We retrospectively studied 12 eyes of 12 patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) to investigate choroidal thickness changes following half-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) using widefield choroidal thickness maps obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Additionally, we assessed the relationship between choroidal thickness changes and the regional vortex veins as visualized on widefield en face OCT of the choroid. Pre-treatment en face images of the choroidal vasculature were superimposed on subtracted choroidal thickness maps before and 3 months after half-fluence PDT. The choroidal thickness decreased mainly in the irradiated macular area and in the region of vortex veins which function as drainage for the macula in all eyes. Eleven eyes (91.7%) showed choroidal thinning in the nasal area which overlapped with the nasal vortex vein distribution. Moreover, in 10 (90.9%) of those eyes, we observed intervortex venous anastomosis across the vertical watershed zone. Quantitative analysis revealed that the reduction in choroidal thickness was most pronounced in the macular area. Furthermore, the choroidal thickness reduction in the area with macular drainage vortex veins was significantly greater than that in the area without such vortex veins. These results suggest that half-fluence PDT might decrease choroidal thickness due to choriocapillaris occlusion in the irradiated macula, possibly leading to diminished venous drainage from the macula to regional vortex veins. Moreover, venous blood flow through the anastomotic vessels from the macular drainage vortex veins into the nasal vortex veins might be reduced post-treatment.

Impact of Cardiac Power Output on Exercise Capacity and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure.

Less data are available regarding the impact of cardiac power output on exercise capacity or clinical outcome in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The study enrolled 280 consecutive patients with CHF referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing and right-sided heart catheterization between 2013 and 2018. The primary outcome was composite of heart failure hospitalization or death. Cardiac power output was calculated as (mean arterial pressure × CO) ÷ 451. Patients with low cardiac power output (<0.53 W, n = 99) were older and had a higher brain natriuretic peptide level than patients with high cardiac power output (≥0.53W, n = 181). Cardiac power output was correlated with peak oxygen consumption (peak V̇O2), peak workload achievement, and ventilatory efficiency (V̇E/V̇CO2 slope) in cardiopulmonary exercise testing, whereas each of cardiac output or mean arterial pressure was not. There were 48 patients with events over a median follow-up period of 3.5 (interquartile range 1.0 to 6.0) years. Patients with low cardiac power output had about a 2-fold higher risk of events than those with a high cardiac power output (hazard ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 3.48). In the multivariable Cox regression, a 0.1-W decrease in cardiac power output was associated with 19% increased adverse events (hazard ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.67 to 0.99). In conclusion, cardiac power output was associated with reduced exercise capacity and poor clinical outcome, suggesting that cardiac power output is useful for risk stratification in patients with CHF. Further study is required to identify therapies targeting cardiac power output to improve the exercise capacity or clinical outcome in patients with CHF.

Duplicate left gastric artery identified during robot-assisted distal gastrectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Duplicated left gastric artery (LGA) is a rare anomaly. With an incidence of only 0.4%, its clinical significance remains largely unrecognized. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old man underwent robot-assisted distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer. After division of the left gastric vein in the left gastropancreatic fold, a slim LGA (LGA-1) was identified and dissected. Careful dissection of the left gastropancreatic fold toward the root of the celiac artery revealed another LGA (LGA-2), which was dissected without difficulty. Postoperative reevaluation of the three-dimensional-computed tomography (CT) angiography reconstructed using the preoperative CT scan identified a 2.7 mm LGA-1, branching from the splenic artery, and a 3.0 mm LGA-2, branching from the celiac artery. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the third reported case of a duplicate LGA in a patient who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy. Our case is the first to report the use of robot surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although duplicate LGA is rare and receives little clinical attention, surgeons should keep this vascular anomaly in mind during preoperative evaluation since there is an increased risk for intraoperative bleeding during gastrectomy.

Paradoxical increase in global longitudinal strain by handgrip exercise despite left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Although global longitudinal strain (GLS) is recognized as a sensitive marker of intrinsic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, its afterload dependency has also been pointed. We hypothesized that decrease in GLS during handgrip exercise could be more sensitive marker of intrinsic myocardial dysfunction. METHODS: Handgrip exercise-stress echocardiography was performed in 90 cardiovascular disease patients with preserved LV ejection fraction. LV diastolic function was graded according to the guidelines. Diastolic wall stress (DWS) and ratio of left atrial (LA) volume index to late-diastolic mitral annular velocity (LAVI/a') were measured at rest as LV stiffness. As well, LA strains were measured to assess LA function. GLS was expressed as absolute value and significant changes in GLS by handgrip exercise was defined as changes over prespecified mean absolute test-retest variability (2.65%). RESULTS: While mean value of GLS did not change by the exercise, substantial patients showed significant changes in GLS: decreased (group I, n = 28), unchanged (group II, n = 34), and increased (group III, n = 28). Unexpectedly, patients in group I did not show any clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, while those in group III were characterized by elevated natriuretic peptide levels, blunted heart rate response to handgrip exercise, and advanced LV diastolic dysfunction. Multivariable analyses revealed that DWS, left atrial booster strain, and grade II or more diastolic dysfunction determined the increase in GLS even after adjustment for elevated natriuretic peptides and the changes in heart rate by the exercise. CONCLUSION: In contrast to our hypothesis, paradoxical increase in GLS by handgrip exercise could be associated with advanced LV diastolic dysfunction in cardiovascular patients with preserved LV ejection fraction. Our findings suggest that HG exercise for heart failure patients does not enhance the afterload straightforward, resulting in variable changes of GLS according to the individual conditions.

Short-term outcomes of intravitreal faricimab for treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of loading phase treatment with 3 monthly intravitreal injections of faricimab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 16-week outcomes of 40 consecutive eyes of 38 patients with treatment-naïve nAMD. Three monthly injections of faricimab were administered to all eyes as a loading phase treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal thickness, central choroidal thickness (CCT), and dry macula achievement were all assessed every 4 weeks. Moreover, the regression of polypoidal lesions was evaluated after the loading phase. RESULTS: BCVA was 0.33 ± 0.41 at baseline and showed significant improvement to 0.22 ± 0.36 at week 16 (P < 0.01). Foveal thickness was 278 ± 116 µm at baseline, decreasing significantly to 173 ± 48 µm at week 16 (P < 0.01). CCT was 214 ± 98 µm at baseline, decreasing significantly to 192 ± 89 µm at week 16 (P < 0.01). Dry macula was achieved in 31 eyes (79.5%) at week 16. Indocyanine green angiography after the loading phase revealed complete regression of polypoidal lesions in 11 of 18 eyes (61.1%) with polypoidal lesions. One eye (2.5%) developed vitritis without visual loss at week 16. CONCLUSION: Loading phase treatment with intravitreal faricimab appears to generally be safe and effective for improving visual acuity and reducing exudative changes in eyes with nAMD.

Structural change dynamics of heteroleptic Cu(I) complexes observed by ultrafast emission spectroscopy.

[Cu(I)(dmp)(P)2]+ (dmp = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline derivatives; P = phosphine ligand) is one of the most promising photosensitizers used in a photo-catalytic system for reducing CO2, for which the quantum yield is as high as 57%. In this work, time-resolved emission spectra of Cu(I) complexes in solutions were investigated using femtosecond fluorescence up-conversion and nanosecond time-resolved emission spectroscopic systems. The temporal profiles of emission intensities less than 10 ps in acetonitrile solution were reproduced using a tri-exponential function with three-time constants of 0.040 ps, 0.78 ps and 8.0 ps. We found that only the second time constant is dependent on the solvent (acetonitrile: 0.78 ps, butyronitrile: 1.4 ps), indicating that the 0.78 ps spectral change is attributed to the structural change of the Cu(I) complex. The oscillator strengths of transition species are derived from the intensities in the time-resolved emission spectra (species-associated spectra). Based on the oscillator strengths, we concluded that the 0.040 ps process is the Sn → S1 internal conversion and the 0.78 ps process is a structural change in the S1 state. The final time constant of 8.0 ps is assigned to the S1 → T1 intersystem crossing because the 3MLCT state (τT1 = 97 ns) is generated after the decay. The DFT calculation showed that the 0.78 ps spectral change (∼600 cm-1 redshift) is attributed to Jahn-Teller distortion around the metal center, and there is a large structural change in the ligand, which results in a large Stokes shift in the Sn state (7.3 × 103 cm-1).

Correction: Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on ex-vessel prices using time-series analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s12562-021-01574-x.].

Application of an echocardiographic scoring system of left ventricular filling pressure to diagnose acute heart failure in patients complaining dyspnea.

BACKGROUND: Dyspnea is a common symptom in acute heart failure (AHF) patients. Although an accurate and rapid diagnosis of AHF is essential to improve prognosis, estimation of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure (FP) remains challenging, especially for noncardiologists. We evaluated the usefulness of a recently-proposed parameter of LV FP, visually assessed time difference between the mitral valve and tricuspid valve opening (VMT) score, to detect AHF in patients complaining of dyspnea. METHODS: Echocardiography and lung ultrasonography (LUS) were performed in 121 consecutive patients (68 ±â€¯14 years old, 75 males) presenting with dyspnea. The VMT score was determined from the atrioventricular valve opening phase (tricuspid valve first: 0, simultaneous: 1, mitral valve first: 2) and inferior vena cava dilatation (absent: 0, present: 1), and VMT ≥2 was judged as positive. LUS was performed with the 8 zones method and judged as positive if 3 or more B-lines were observed in bilateral regions. The AHF diagnosis was performed by certified cardiologists according to recent guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 121 patients, 33 were diagnosed with AHF. The sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing AHF were 64 % and 84 % for LUS and 94 % and 88 % for VMT score. In logistic regression analysis, VMT score showed a significantly higher c-index than LUS (0.91 vs 0.74, p = 0.002). In multivariable analyses, VMT score was associated with AHF independently of clinically relevant covariates and LUS. In addition, serial assessment of VMT score followed by LUS provided a diagnostic flow chart to diagnose AHF (VMT 3: AHF definitive, VMT 2 and LUS positive: AHF highly suspicious; VMT 2 and LUS negative: further investigation is needed; VMT ≤ 1: AHF rejected). CONCLUSIONS: VMT score showed high diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing AHF. Combined assessment of the VMT score and LUS could become a reliable strategy for diagnosis of AHF by non-cardiologists.

Prognostic Significance of Peak Workload-to-Weight Ratio by Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Chronic Heart Failure.

The prognostic impact of peak workload-to-weight ratio (PWR) during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and its determinants in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) are not well understood. Consecutive 514 patients with CHF referred for CPET at the Hokkaido University Hospital between 2013 and 2018 were identified. The primary outcome was a composite of hospitalization because of worsening heart failure and death. PWR was calculated as peak workload normalized to body weight (W/kg) by CPET. Patients with low PWR (cut-off median 1.38 [W/kg], n = 257) were older and more anemic than those with high PWR (n = 257). In CPET, patients with low PWR displayed reduced peak oxygen consumption and impaired ventilatory efficiency compared with those with high PWR, whereas the peak respiratory exchange ratio was not significantly different between the 2 groups. There were 89 patients with events over a median follow-up period of 3.3 (interquartile range 0.8 to 5.5) years. The incidence of composite events was significantly higher in patients with low PWR than in those with high PWR (log-rank p <0.0001). In the multivariable Cox regression, lower PWR was associated with adverse events (hazard ratio 0.31, 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.73, p = 0.008). Low hemoglobin concentration was strongly related to impaired PWR (ß coefficient = 0.43, per 1 g/100 ml increased, p <0.0001). In conclusion, PWR was associated with worse clinical outcomes, where blood hemoglobin was strongly related to PWR. Further study is required to identify therapies targeting peak workload achievements in exercise stress tests to improve the outcome in patients with CHF.

Impact of right ventricular stiffness on discordance between hemodynamic parameter and regurgitant volume in patients with pulmonary regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Accurate detection of significant pulmonary regurgitation (PR) is critical in management of patients after right ventricular (RV) outflow reconstruction in Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patients, because of its influence on adverse outcomes. Although pressure half time (PHT) of PR velocity is one of the widely used echocardiographic markers of the severity, shortened PHT is suggested to be seen in conditions with increased RV stiffness with mild PR. However, little has been reported about the exact characteristics of patients showing discrepancy between PHT and PR volume in this population. METHODS: Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in 74 TOF patients after right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction [32 ± 10 years old]. PHT was measured from the continuous Doppler PR flow velocity profile and PHT < 100 ms was used as a sign of significant PR. Presence of end-diastolic RVOT forward flow was defined as RV restrictive physiology. By using phase-contrast MRI, forward and regurgitant volumes through the RVOT were measured and regurgitation fraction was calculated. Significant PR was defined as regurgitant fraction ≥ 25%. RESULTS: Significant PR was observed in 54 of 74 patients. While PHT < 100 ms well predicted significant PR with sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 52%, and c-index of 0.72, 10 patients showed shortened PHT despite regurgitant fraction < 25% (discordant group). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction were comparable between discordant group and patients showing PHT < 100 ms and regurgitant fraction ≥ 25% (concordant group). However, discordant group showed significantly smaller mid RV diameter (30.7 ± 4.5 vs. 39.2 ± 7.3 mm, P < 0.001) and higher prevalence of restrictive physiology (100% vs. 42%, P < 0.01) than concordant group. When mid RV diameter ≥ 32 mm and presence of restrictive physiology were added to PHT, the predictive value was significantly improved (sensitivity: 81%, specificity: 90%, and c-index: 0.89, P < 0.001 vs. PHT alone by multivariable logistic regression model). CONCLUSION: Patients with increased RV stiffness and non-enlarged right ventricle showed short PHT despite mild PR. Although it has been expected, this was the first study to demonstrate the exact characteristics of patients showing discrepancy between PHT and PR volume in TOF patients after RVOT reconstruction.

Quadrant laser photocoagulation trial to ameliorate choroidal congestion in central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of quadrant laser photocoagulation to ameliorate the choroidal congestion in central serous choroidopathy (CSC). STUDY DESIGN: Historically controlled study. METHODS: We prospectively studied 20 eyes with acute CSC in the quadrant laser group, in which laser photocoagulation was applied to the macular leakage point(s) as well as the quadrant of the fundus showing vortex vein dilatation. Central choroidal thickness (CCT), vertical diameter of dilated vortex vein, resolution rate of serous retinal detachment (SRD), and visual field were evaluated post-treatment. We also compared the results with those of 18 retrospectively analyzed eyes with acute CSC in an external control group, in which laser photocoagulation had been applied only to the macular leakage point(s). RESULTS: In the quadrant laser group, 2 eyes were excluded from data analysis due to choroidal neovascularization (CNV). CCT was significantly reduced in both groups, but more significantly in the quadrant laser group. The vertical diameter of the dilated vortex vein was significantly decreased only in the quadrant laser group. The resolution rate of SRD was similar in the two groups. In the quadrant laser group, 8 eyes (44.4%) showed mild deterioration of the visual field, consistent with the area subjected to quadrant laser photocoagulation. CONCLUSION: Quadrant laser photocoagulation can have limited efficacy for ameliorating vortex vein congestion in CSC. When laser photocoagulation to the macular area is combined with quadrant laser photocoagulation, attention must be paid to the possible development of CNV and visual field deterioration.

Comparison of the 2-Year Results of Photodynamic Therapy with Aflibercept and Aflibercept Monotherapy for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy.

Purpose: To compare the efficacies of photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) injections and IVA monotherapy using a treat-and-extend regimen (TAE) for treatment-naïve polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Patients and Methods: One hundred and nine eyes treated with PDT combined with IVA (PDT+IVA group: 51 eyes) or IVA monotherapy (IVA group: 58 eyes) were assessed for 2 years. The main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), number of IVA injections, and macular atrophy (MA). Polypoidal lesions before and after the loading phase were assessed using indocyanine green angiography. Results: In both groups, BCVA significantly improved after the loading phase and was maintained for 2 years. CMT and CCT were significantly reduced in both groups, without significant differences after 2 years between the groups (P=0.2708). The mean number of IVA injections in the IVA and PDT+IVA groups during the 2 years were 13.2±3.3 and 12.7±1.8, respectively, without a significant difference (P=0.06). The frequencies of MA expansion in the IVA and PDT+IVA groups during the 2 years were 25.9% and 33.4%, respectively, with no significant difference in the incidence (odds ratio: 1.40, P=0.4253). The ratios of polyp regression after the loading phase in the IVA and PDT+IVA groups were 55.2% and 94.1%, respectively, with a significant difference (P<0.0001). Conclusion: PDT combined with IVA injections using a TAE regimen is effective for anatomical and visual function improvement, without a significant difference as compared to IVA monotherapy. It can facilitate complete regression of polyps with higher odds.

Two-year outcomes of treat-and-extend regimen with intravitreal brolucizumab for treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration with type 1 macular neovascularization.

We previously reported one-year results of a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen with intravitreal brolucizumab for 68 eyes with treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) associated with type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV). In the current study, we evaluated second-year results of the brolucizumab TAE therapy in 45 eyes with type 1 MNV that had completed the first-year treatment. Forty-three eyes (95.6%) received brolucizumab TAE treatment during a period of 96 weeks. The significant improvement of best-corrected visual acuity in the first year was maintained in the second year. Moreover, the significant foveal thickness and central choroidal thickness reductions in the first year were maintained in the second year. The total number of injections over the 96-week study period was 10.0 ± 1.4, with 6.4 ± 0.6 in the first year and 3.6 ± 1.0 in the second year. The intended injection interval at week 96 was 8 weeks in 9 eyes (20.9%), 12 weeks in 3 eyes (7.0%), and 16 weeks in 31 eyes (72.1%), with an average injection interval of 14.0 ± 3.3 weeks. No eyes developed brolucizumab-related intraocular inflammation (IOI) during the second-year treatment. These results indicate that the TAE regimen with intravitreal brolucizumab for treatment-naïve nAMD associated with type 1 MNV effectively maintained the improved visual acuity and the diminished exudative changes in the second year. Moreover, intravitreal brolucizumab has the potential to reduce the treatment burden of nAMD. The risk of developing brolucizumab-related IOI appeared to be very low during the second year of this TAE regimen.